🔧 Skilled Trades ↑ 5% growth · Average

Crane Operator

Crane operators control some of the most powerful machines on construction sites — lifting steel beams, concrete panels, and heavy equipment to precise locations hundreds of feet in the air. Licensed crane operators are among the highest-paid equipment operators in construction, with union wages and significant overtime.

$61,310 Median Salary
46K US Jobs
3–4 years Training
$500–$5,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$43,000
Median
$61,310
Experienced
$95,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

5%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
46K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
NCCCO Crane Operator Certification + State License
Required Credential
NCCCO Crane Operator Certification + State License

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Apprenticeship or Vocational Training
Program Length
3–4 years
Typical Tuition
$500–$5,000
Work Setting
Construction sites, ports, manufacturing plants, shipyards
🏆 Credential Required: NCCCO Crane Operator Certification + State License

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Crane Operator involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Construction sites environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Crane Operator by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC